Denzel Washington cemented his legacy alongside fellow Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke and director Antoine Fuqua in Training Day (2001), a film that earned Washington his second Oscar. In a departure from his earlier roles in films like The Pelican Brief and Philadelphia, Washington portrayed a complex and corrupt narcotics officer, showcasing a previously unseen darker side. His career has since continued its upward trajectory, with increasingly substantial and multi-dimensional characters, such as the alcoholic bodyguard in Man on Fire, and his Oscar-nominated performance in Flight. Antoine Fuqua’s career, however, has followed a more uneven path. Following the success of Training Day, Fuqua directed a number of diverse, yet critically weaker, films, including King Arthur and Tears of the Sun. This raises the question: Can his reunion with Washington reignite his directorial prowess? Read on for our analysis.
This film adaptation draws inspiration from the TV series of the same name, which aired in the early 80s (CBS) with Edward Woodward in the lead role. The core concept remains consistent. Robert “Bob” McCall (Washington) is a seemingly ordinary, aging man working at a home improvement store. He is portrayed as friendly and helpful, particularly towards his colleague Ralphie, who aspires to become a security guard. Bob lives a modest life, finding solace in books and spending his sleepless nights reading at a local café. His interactions with Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a prostitute, lead them to a discussion about identity and choice. The audience, and the Russian mafia in Boston, soon realize that Bob’s past is far more complex than that of a store clerk or librarian.
The premise of The Equalizer adheres to classic tropes, bordering on cliché. A mysterious, seemingly harmless man possesses hidden capabilities. (And, notably, it’s Denzel Washington in the role.) A young woman requires assistance, and ruthless Russians warrant retribution. In less capable hands, this could have resulted in a predictable and uninspired film. However, the elements coalesce to create an engaging, stylish, and highly entertaining action experience, evoking the spirit of 80s revenge thrillers. Washington delivers a compelling performance, and The Equalizer shares notable similarities with Tony Scott’s Man on Fire. The narrative features a protagonist burdened by grief, yet possessing lethal skills, a vulnerable girl in need of protection, and a cadre of exceptionally ruthless gangsters. At almost 60 years of age, Denzel Washington remains a vital and compelling action hero, arguably unmatched in the genre today. While contemporaries like Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even Oscar winners Nicolas Cage and Robert De Niro, have largely transitioned to direct-to-video or streaming releases, Washington has consistently chosen his roles with precision, delivering high-quality performances. While Robert McCall may bear resemblance to his characters in Training Day, Safe House, and 2 Guns, Antoine Fuqua’s direction, coupled with Mauro Fiore’s stylish cinematography and a powerful soundtrack (including Eminem’s “Guts over Fear” featuring Sia), elevates this into a well-produced and thoroughly entertaining action film.
The film effectively balances extreme violence with moments of reflection and a genuinely touching narrative about a man who utilizes his skills to help those in need. While not particularly realistic or groundbreaking, it offers an engaging cinematic experience best enjoyed in a theater, where the immersive visuals and sound can be fully appreciated. The Equalizer draws inspiration from acclaimed films such as Leon, Pulp Fiction, Eastern Promises, and others previously mentioned, yet manages to create its own compelling story. The script, dialogue, and portrayal of the villain (an aging Marton Csokas, increasingly reminiscent of Kevin Spacey) add further depth to the film. We can confidently assert two conclusions: 1) Denzel Washington remains a dominant force in intelligent action films, and 2) Antoine Fuqua has rediscovered his directorial footing. This alone warrants a viewing when the film premieres on Friday.
Footnote: Denzel later returned for a sequel – The Equalizer 2.
